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October 16, 2007 - October 16, 2007
Bridges of Understanding Inaugural Conference in Washington, DC
Meridian Joins 'Bridges of Understanding'
The Meridian International Center joined the nonprofit organization Bridges of Understanding on Oct. 16 to co-host a one-day conference on Islam and U.S. relations with the Arab world.
Topics in this inaugural effort ranged from "Islam and the Modern Arab World" to "Creating Opportunity and a Hopeful Future for Arab Youth." Bridges, a new nonprofit, non-political organization started by former Jordanian Ambassador Karim Kawar and his wife Luma -- along with their friend, businesswoman Kathryn Hubbard -- aims to increase understanding and acceptance between the United States and the Arab world.
The conference brought together top government, corporate and think tank leaders: Dina Powell, formerly of the State Department and now director of global engagement for Goldman Sachs; Barbara Barrett of the U.S. Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy; Craig Barrett, board chairman of Intel; and Henrietta Fore, acting administrator of USAID and the conference's keynote speaker -- along with various journalists and religious leaders.
"Bridges of Understanding is a great example of dynamic civic leadership and citizen diplomacy," said Meridian President Stuart Holliday. "Meridian International Center and Bridges of Understanding share many of the same objectives, and we will be able to accomplish even more through this important partnership.
The afternoon session showcased the vibrant projects that have resulted from 22 female U.S. business and association leaders who met with their Jordanian counterparts in Amman last April. The projects include creating life-saving medical connections between the two countries, the circulation of the endearing video "Ben & Izzy" to all American middle schools, and establishing scholarships for bright Jordanian students to study in the United States.
"This has been a very inspirational day," said former Jordanian Ambassador Kawar. "After only six months, for us to see that Bridges is already about 'action,' not just words, is wonderful."
Bridges board members Kathryn Hubbard, Patricia Kluge, Marguerite Kondracke, Marlene Malek, Karen Frist, and Nina Easton were all part of a spring fact-finding trip to Jordan where they met with Queen Rania. Their projects to increase understanding and cooperation between Americans and Arabs are presented in detail on the Bridges of Understanding Web site.
Some Highlights from the Conference
Imam Hendi emphasized that he wants his "fellow Americans" to always separate Islam and the culture of Muslims...Issues such as honor killings are not protected in Islamic law; in fact, Islamic law speaks out against honor killings.
Islam has a lot in common with Judaism and Christianity. Hendi quotes a phrase from the Bible: "Blessed is the name of the Lord the Lord of the universe." He then says, "There is an almost identical phase which Muslims repeat."
Asma Hasan
"I give my fellow Americans a lot of credit for wanting to learn about Islam. They admit that they do not know a lot about Islam, and they want to learn."
Merissa Khurma -- a native of Jordan, who was raised in a Muslim household; for Jordanian school children, religion was part of the school curriculum. They were taught values that are universal and not specific to Islam.
"I wouldn't say radical Islam is on the ascendant; I think what is rising is the politicization of the debate on Islam."
"With the media, it makes understandings even worse, it deepens the cycle. Before we begin to talk about all the different issues...we must discharge the notion of a ?clash of civilizations', and that Islam is not a new message but a continuation of the Judeo-Christian traditions."
..."Sometimes the answers (to the polls) do not reflect what the people would actually do. It's one thing to go ahead and perform an act of terrorism and another to say that on supports it, after the fact."
Mort Kondracke, Executive Editor, Roll Call
"It seems to me what concerns most Americans is radical Islam? I would like to ask about fundamentalism ?whether this is ascendant or a receding force in the Islamic world."
Dina Powell, Goldman Sachs
"The issues of peace and stability and security are paramount to all those of Middle Eastern society; but young people wanted most to know what their future would look like."
Craig Barret, Chairman of Intel
"Kids deserve opportunity and hope. Their opportunity is education." If countries have economic development and social exchange (countries with franchises of McDonalds for example), the chance that these countries will go to war is significantly decreased.
Marlene Malek
One such "bridge" Bridges of Understanding has formed is with Marymount University -- offering a scholarship for one Jordanian student to live and study in the U.S. (at Marymount) and participate in cultural and awareness programs both on and off campus; the Malek Family Foundation will provide $10,000 annually for the student.
Reverend Pergola
"Christianity and Islam agree that love of God and love of neighbor are the two most important commands of each faith. We must find leaders who understand the depths of their own beliefs and appreciate [the beliefs of] others;"..."We should bring together students and find ways to connect them over time, not to frighten the people who sent them, but to share with them..."
"It is vital that we nurture religious pluralism and help people overcome the lure of religious totalitarianism."
From Henrietta Fore, Acting Administrator, USAID:
"Bridges of Understanding is an initiative built on the concept of forming close partnerships through mutual respect and understanding, in order to build a shared future of peace and prosperity.
"[Bridges of Understanding's] focus on fundamentals such as economic common sense, health, education, and cultural and inter-religious understanding gives me hope for the future. Your direct access to international leaders will provide you with insights to share with U.S. leaders. With the greatest of patience, your vision and your efforts can begin a process leading to restoration of peace and prosperity in the world?s cradle of commerce and culture. I offer you a warm welcome to the international development community."
To read Administrator Fore's complete remarks, click here.
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